History: Æther City and firearms...

With all the gadgets, not to mention magic, in Æther City, why would anyone need a gun?? But the truth is, not all citizens are created equal. And guns, throughout all of the continent of Avenlast, have always been used as the great equalizer. But, as far as Æther City is concerned, guns are normally in the hands of The Authority (the city's enforcers). Though, occasionally, a citizen will get a hold of a gun and use it in a moment of desperation, be it a riot or a crime. And because of this reason, and the idea of freedom for all that the city says it holds to, firearms have been made illegal to possess unless you are law enforcement or have special dispensation. 

NOTE: In 847 E.P., the prominent benefactor of the the city, Arkane Taxian, was assassinated by a rogue member (or so they say) of the People's Workers Union. It was at that time that any person not of the Authority be banned from owning and carrying a firearm. In recent times though, a few "special" individuals have been allowed to own and carry a gun.